You know, I find it troubling in the writing-advice press (blogs, writing craft magazines, etc.) that the focus is misplaced.
It’s always about “getting” something:

Getting an agent.
Getting someone to read your query.
Getting published.
Getting good blog stats ….

Where you mention “motivation” I would reduce that term to its root … the word “motive.”

It is here that all the power (or not) of any writing resides.

My dictionary defines “motive” as:
“some inner drive, impulse, intention, etc. that causes a person to do something or act in a certain way; incentive; goal.”

And why is one’s motive so important?

It’s all about his or her INTENT.

So many budding writers are hooked into believing that it’s all about manipulating people, places, or circumstances to “get” something in return. Like “success” is somehow “out THERE.”

If these same writers did a deep reality check on their INTENT or the REASON why they want to be a writer in the first place, and if found UNSELFISH, then that is right intent.

Right intent equals right motive equals right outcome (true success as a writer).

Wrong intent equals wrong motive equals wrong outcome (failure as a writer or missed opportunities for improvement).

Tied to right motive is HUMILITY. Many writers appear to be arrogant, not humble.

Humility is the fertile soil in which right MOTIVES grow into those beautiful floral disciples (well-crafted prose or poetry we all recognize as being perfect as their Maker is perfect).

These timeless concepts are universal LAWS that we humans are only just now scratching the surface.

So, what is YOUR motive for writing?

If your motive is to serve your readership (and not be self-serving), then I predict great things for that writer.

I’ll bet most writers never stopped to realize how necessarily metaphysical real writing really is. That accounts for so much angst and alcoholism amongst the notorious amongst us.

My advise?

Rise up and take charge of your motives! You’ll be a happier and more prolific wordsmith!

(No, I am not Dr. Phil, just a humble writer of over 60 pieces of digital short fiction).

Regards, and success for the right reasons, my friends.

Wayne C. Long
Writer/Editor/Internet Publisher
http://www.LongShortStories.com
Where the Short Story LIVES!